I woke up to birds chirping outside.

To sunlight streaming through the window.

To the smell of pancakes drifting up from the kitchen, again. I just couldn't like

Not to yelling.

Not to slamming doors.

Not to the heavy, suffocating feeling of waking up in a place that didn't want me there.

I blinked up at the ceiling, my mind still catching up.

Then-slowly, carefully-

I stretched.

And realized-

I had actually slept.

Not just the usual, light, half-aware kind of sleep I was used to.

Real sleep.

Deep sleep.

Sleep where I wasn't waiting for something to go wrong.

The realization hit me like a freight train.

I swallowed, running a hand down my face.

This was new.

This was different.

And maybe...

Just maybe...

I liked it.

It's still so hard to get used to these new things...

Breakfast downstairs:

I stepped into the kitchen, rubbing the back of my neck.

Granny Smith was at the stove, flipping pancakes. It smelled so nice, just like yesterday.

Apple Bloom sat at the table, swinging her legs, talking about some project she was doing for school.

Applejack was pouring coffee, looking up the second I walked in.

"Mornin', sugarcube," she said.

I blinked.

It was casual.

Like I had always been here.

Like this was normal.

Like this was home.

I swallowed. "Uh... morning."

Granny Smith turned, smiling warmly.

"Take a seat, darlin'," she said. "Breakfast's almost ready."

I hesitated.

I still wasn't used to people making food for me.

Still wasn't used to being expected at the table.

But before I could think too hard about it-

Applejack slid a steaming mug of coffee in front of me.

I blinked at it.

Then at her.

She smirked. "Ain't hard to figure out ya can't function without caffeine, sugarcube."

I huffed. "Tch. As if you could function without it either."

Applejack chuckled.

And suddenly-

Everything felt easy.

Like maybe I wasn't an outsider here.

Like maybe I wasn't just passing through.

Like maybe...

This was where I was meant to be.

After breakfast, Applejack and I walked out onto the porch.

The air was cool and crisp.

The orchard stretched out before us, golden sunlight filtering through the trees.

I took a deep breath, letting it all sink in.

This place.

This family.

This feeling of belonging.

I glanced at Applejack.

She was standing next to me, sipping her coffee, completely at ease.

Like this was just another day.

Like this wasn't the most important morning of my life.

I swallowed hard.

I should say something.

I should tell her thank you.

Tell her I don't deserve this.

Tell her I don't know how to be someone who belongs.

But instead-

I just whispered,

"I think I like it here."

Applejack turned her head, raising an eyebrow.

Then-softly, warmly-

She smiled.

"Good," she said simply. "'Cause we like havin' ya here."

My throat closed.

My chest felt too full.

I wasn't used to this.

But maybe...

Maybe I could learn.

The morning passed easily.

Breakfast turned into helping Applejack with chores.

Chores turned into Apple Bloom begging me to help her build something for a school project.

That turned into me accidentally breaking a wooden crate, Applejack laughing so hard she almost cried, and Granny Smith calling me a "city girl with no common sense."

And somehow?

Somehow it all felt normal.

Like I had been here forever.

Like I wasn't just passing through.

Like this was my life now.

And for the first time-

I wasn't sure I wanted to leave.

Later:

It started with a challenge.

Which, let's be real-Applejack should've known better.

We had just finished setting up a few new crates in the barn when she wiped the sweat from her forehead and smirked.

"Betcha can't run to the fence and back faster than me."

I froze.

Narrowed my eyes.

"Are you seriously challenging me to a race?"

Applejack grinned. "Sure am, sugarcube."

I scoffed. "Oh, you're so going down."

Applejack chuckled. "We'll see 'bout that."

And just like that-we were off.

The wind whipped past me as I ran, my heartbeat pounding in my ears.

Applejack was fast.

But I was faster.

The grass blurred beneath me, the fence getting closer and closer-

I hit it first, turning back just in time to see Applejack skid to a stop right behind me.

She let out a breath, shaking her head.

"Dang," she muttered. "Guess I owe ya an apple pie."

I grinned.

A real, genuine grin.

The kind I hadn't felt in a long time.

The kind that felt free.

Applejack chuckled.

"Feels good, don't it?"

I swallowed.

It did.

It felt really good.

Like for the first time in forever-

I wasn't running from something.

I was just running.

I exhaled, hands on my hips, staring out over the orchard.

"...Yeah," I muttered. "It does."

Applejack smirked.

"Good," she said. "'Cause you're stuck with me now."

I laughed.

And for the first time-

I actually let myself enjoy it.

The sky was turning gold and purple, the air cool and crisp.

Applejack and I sat on the fence, watching the orchard stretch out before us.

Neither of us spoke.

We didn't need to.

Because for the first time-

I wasn't thinking about what came next.

I wasn't thinking about what I had to survive.

I was just... here.

Existing.

Breathing.

Happy.

And that?

That scared me.

Because what if it didn't last?

I swallowed hard, gripping the fence a little tighter.

Applejack must've noticed, because she glanced at me.

"Somethin' on yer mind, sugarcube?"

I hesitated.

I should say no.

I should push it down like I always did.

But for some reason-

I didn't.

I exhaled, staring at the horizon.

"This doesn't feel real," I admitted.

Applejack frowned. "What doesn't?"

I swallowed.

"All of it," I muttered. "This place. You. Your family. The fact that I'm actually... happy."

Applejack nodded, like she already knew.

Like she had been waiting for me to say it.

Then-simply, gently-

"Why don't it feel real?"

I inhaled sharply.

"Because it's never been real before."

The words hit harder than I expected.

I had never said it out loud before.

Never admitted that I had spent my whole life waiting for happiness to be taken away from me.

Applejack was quiet for a long time.

Then-softly, but firmly-

"It's real now."

I swallowed. "How do you know?"

Applejack turned fully to face me.

"'Cause I ain't lettin' it go anywhere," she said simply.

My breath hitched.

I stared at her.

She meant it.

She actually, fully meant it.

And for the first time-

I believed her.

A few minutes later:

The words slipped out before I could stop them.

"I don't wanna leave."

Applejack's lips quirked up in a small, knowing smile.

"Good," she said. "Then don't."

I blinked. "Just like that?"

Applejack shrugged. "Ain't gotta be complicated, sugarcube."

I let out a shaky laugh.

It sounded lighter than I expected.

I ran a hand through my hair, shaking my head.

"I don't get it," I admitted. "Why do you care so much?"

Applejack tilted her head, like she was surprised I even had to ask.

Then-without hesitation-

"'Cause you're important to me, Rainbow."

My throat closed.

My chest felt too full.

Like I had been carrying so much weight for so long that I didn't know how to exist without it.

I exhaled.

And-for the first time-

I let myself believe her.

After dinner:

The kitchen was filled with laughter.

Granny Smith was still at the table, sipping her tea.

Apple Bloom had run upstairs, talking excitedly about some school project just like this morning.

Applejack was washing the dishes, humming to herself.

And me?

I was just sitting there, taking it all in.

Because this?

This was normal.

This was family.

This was mine.

Applejack glanced over her shoulder.

"Y'gonna help or just sit there lookin' pretty?"

I scoffed. "Oh, so you admit I look pretty?"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Yer impossible."

I smirked, pushing myself up and grabbing a towel.

Helping with dishes wasn't exactly my thing-but I didn't mind it here.

And maybe...

That was the whole point.

Later: On the porch:

The night air was cool and crisp.

Applejack and I sat on the porch steps, sipping leftover cider.

The orchard stretched out before us, dark but peaceful.

I sighed, stretching my legs out.

"Okay," I muttered. "I'll admit it. Today didn't suck."

Applejack chuckled. "High praise, comin' from you."

I smirked. "Hey, I gotta keep you on your toes somehow."

Applejack shook her head, but her smile didn't fade.

Silence stretched between us.

Not awkward.

Not heavy.

Just... comfortable.

Like this was exactly where I was supposed to be.

I hesitated.

Then-softly, honestly-

I muttered,

"I think I'm happy."

Applejack turned her head, her green eyes searching mine.

Then-quietly, but with certainty-

She smiled.

"Good," she said. "You deserve to be."

I swallowed.

The words hit deep.

I wasn't sure if I believed her.

Not yet.

But maybe-

Just maybe-

I was starting to.

I stood outside my bedroom door, hesitating.

I should go inside.

I should get some sleep.

But instead-

I found myself walking toward Applejack's room.

I didn't even know why.

I just knew that-for some reason-

I wasn't ready to be alone yet.

I knocked lightly.

Applejack's voice came from inside.

"Yeah?"

I hesitated.

Then-quietly-

"Can I come in?"

A pause.

Then-without hesitation-

"Yeah, sugarcube."

I pushed the door open.

Applejack was sitting on her bed, leaning against the headboard.

She raised an eyebrow. "Somethin' wrong?"

I shook my head. "No. Just... didn't wanna be alone, I guess."

Applejack nodded.

Like she understood.

Like she had been waiting for me to say it.

She scooted over, patting the empty space next to her.

I hesitated-only for a second-

Then I climbed onto the bed, sitting beside her.

Neither of us spoke.

We just sat there, the quiet filling the room.

I exhaled, staring down at my hands.

"You really don't mind me bein' here?" I muttered.

Applejack tilted her head.

"Where else would you be?"

My breath hitched.

Because she meant it.

Because she was looking at me like this was just normal.

Like me being here-being part of her life-

Wasn't a burden.

Wasn't something I had to earn.

It just was.

I swallowed hard.

And for the first time-

I believed it.

Later that night:

The house was dark and quiet, the only sound coming from the trees outside.

I was still sitting on Applejack's bed, my back resting against the headboard.

Neither of us had said much since I walked in.

And the weird thing?

I didn't feel like I had to.

I wasn't waiting for the silence to be awkward or heavy.

It just was.

Easy.

Normal.

Applejack shifted, tilting her hat lower over her eyes.

"Y'gonna sit there all night, sugarcube?"

I smirked. "Maybe."

She chuckled, crossing her arms behind her head. "I don't mind."

And that?

That made something in my chest warm.

Because I knew she meant it.

She wasn't just saying that.

She actually wanted me here.

Like it was normal for me to be here.

Like it was normal for me to stay.

I exhaled, tilting my head back against the headboard.

"I think I'm getting used to this," I muttered.

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "To what?"

I swallowed.

"To... having a home."

Applejack didn't react right away.

She just studied me, her green eyes soft and knowing.

Then-simply, honestly-

"Good. 'Cause ya got one now."

My throat tightened.

I had already known that.

I had already felt it.

But hearing her say it out loud?

That made it real.

I exhaled, letting my head roll to the side to look at her.

She smirked slightly.

"What?" I muttered.

Applejack shrugged. "Just thinkin'."

"'Bout what?"

She tilted her head.

"How much things've changed."

I chuckled. "You mean how much I've changed?"

Applejack smirked. "You said it, not me."

I rolled my eyes, nudging her with my elbow. "Shut up."

She laughed.

Not loud, not teasing-just soft and real.

And suddenly-

I realized something.

Something huge.

Something I hadn't let myself think about before.

I never wanted to leave.

Not now.

Not ever.

This was my home.

This was my family.

And there was nothing in the world that could take this away from me.

The next morning:

I woke up slowly.

Not because I was tired.

Not because I didn't want to get up.

But because I could.

For the first time in forever, I wasn't waking up with my chest tight or my brain racing.

For the first time, I wasn't waking up to fear.

I stretched, exhaling a deep breath, and blinked up at the ceiling.

Sunlight streamed through the window, warm and golden.

I could hear the distant sound of Apple Bloom's voice downstairs, Granny Smith humming as she cooked.

The smell of coffee, apples, and something sweet drifted through the air.

I swallowed.

This was home.

My home.

And the crazy thing?

It actually felt that way.

When I walked into the kitchen, I barely had time to react before-

Apple Bloom grabbed my wrist and dragged me to the table.

"Yer sittin' next to me today!" she announced.

I stumbled, blinking at her. "Uh-okay?"

Applejack chuckled from across the table. "Looks like ya don't got a choice, sugarcube."

I rolled my eyes, but I wasn't actually annoyed.

I sat down, and before I could even grab a plate, Granny Smith was already piling pancakes, eggs, and apple fritters in front of me.

"Eat up, darlin'," she said, patting my shoulder. "Ya been workin' hard 'round here, gotta keep ya strong."

I blinked.

I still wasn't used to people caring like that.

Still wasn't used to people making sure I was okay.

But for once?

I didn't feel like I had to earn it.

I just let it happen.

I exhaled, grabbing a fork.

"Guess I can't say no to that."

Applejack smirked. "Nope."

I smirked back.

And just like that-

I felt it.

That feeling of warmth, safety, belonging.

That feeling of family.

And I wasn't running from it anymore.

After breakfast, Applejack and I ended up in the orchard.

The morning was cool and quiet, the golden sunlight spilling through the trees.

I leaned against a fence, arms crossed, watching Applejack check the apple trees.

"Y'know," I muttered, "I don't think I ever told you thanks."

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

I swallowed.

"For... all of this," I said, waving a hand at the farm. "For letting me stay. For not making me feel like I had to prove I deserved it."

Applejack studied me for a moment.

Then-simply, honestly-

"Rainbow, you don't gotta thank me for that."

I frowned. "Why not?"

Applejack sighed, leaning against the fence next to me.

"'Cause ya ain't just stayin' here, sugarcube," she said.

I blinked. "What do you mean?"

She turned to face me.

"This ain't just a place you're passin' through," she said. "This is your home now. And family? We don't keep score. We just are."

My breath hitched.

Because she meant it.

Because she wasn't saying this just to make me feel better.

She was saying it because it was true.

I exhaled, letting my head tilt back to look at the sky.

"That's kinda scary," I muttered.

Applejack smirked. "Yeah?"

I nodded. "I've never had anything I wasn't afraid to lose before."

Applejack was quiet for a long moment.

Then-softly, but with absolute certainty-

"Well, ya ain't losin' this."

I swallowed hard.

My chest felt too full.

Like I was holding something so big, so real, so impossible that I didn't know what to do with it.

I turned my head to look at her.

Her steady green eyes.

Her calm, quiet confidence.

Her absolute belief that I belonged here.

I exhaled.

And for the first time-

I actually let myself believe it, too.

That afternoon:

The sun was high in the sky, the orchard bathed in golden light.

Applejack and I had been working outside all morning-not because I had to.

But because I wanted to.

Because this was my life now.

I wasn't visiting.

I wasn't temporary.

I was home.

Applejack wiped her forehead with the back of her hand.

"Alright, sugarcube," she said. "That's enough work for now."

I scoffed. "You getting tired already?"

Applejack smirked. "Me? Nah. Just figured you might need a break, city girl."

I narrowed my eyes.

"Oh, it is on."

It started as a joke.

I had picked up a small apple, tossing it in my hands.

Applejack had looked at me, suspicious.

"Don't even think about it," she warned.

So, naturally-

I threw it.

It hit her square in the shoulder.

She blinked.

Then-slowly, deliberately-

She bent down, picked up an apple, and grinned.

"You just made a mistake, sugarcube."

And just like that-

War.

We ran through the orchard, dodging, throwing, laughing so hard we could barely breathe.

Applejack was deadly accurate.

I was fast as hell.

By the time we were both out of breath, covered in leaves, and sitting under a tree, I was grinning so wide it hurt.

Applejack chuckled. "Callin' a truce?"

I exhaled, shaking my head. "Only 'cause I let you win."

Applejack snorted. "Sure ya did."

I smirked, stretching my legs out.

The orchard was quiet.

The air was warm.

And my chest?

Light.

For the first time in my life-

I wasn't thinking about the past.

I wasn't thinking about what I had lost.

I was just here.

With Applejack.

With family.

With everything I never thought I could have.

And I didn't want to be anywhere else.

Later that night, we were back on the porch.

The sky was deep purple and gold, the first stars flickering above.

I leaned against the railing, arms crossed, watching the horizon.

Applejack stood next to me, sipping cider.

We didn't say much.

We didn't have to.

Because this was home now.

Because this was forever.

I turned my head, watching her.

And-before I even thought about it-

I muttered,

"I don't think I've ever been this happy."

Applejack looked at me.

Her expression softened.

And-quietly, simply-

She smiled.

"Good," she said. "'Cause I don't think I've ever been happier, neither."

My chest tightened.

Not in a bad way.

In a huge, overwhelming, beautiful way.

Because I knew she meant it.

Because I knew-without a doubt-

This was exactly where I was meant to be.

Forever.

The next morning:

When I walked into the kitchen, something was off.

It wasn't quiet.

It wasn't loud.

It was... expectant.

Applejack was leaning against the counter, smirking.

Apple Bloom was grinning like she knew something I didn't.

Granny Smith was stirring something in a bowl, humming.

I blinked. "Uh. What's going on?"

Apple Bloom bounced on her heels. "We got somethin' for ya!"

I froze.

My brain immediately tried to do the math.

Was it my birthday? No.
Had I forgotten some holiday? No.
Had I done something that deserved a gift? Absolutely not.

I frowned. "Uh... why?"

Applejack chuckled, pushing off the counter.

"'Cause it's official now, sugarcube," she said.

I blinked. "What is?"

Apple Bloom giggled. "You!"

Before I could even react, Granny Smith turned around and placed something in my hands.

A small, wooden box.

I stared at it.

At them.

At the way they were all looking at me like this was normal.

Like it was normal for me to be included.

Like it was normal for them to do something like this for me.

My chest tightened.

I swallowed hard and slowly lifted the lid.

Inside was a carved wooden pendant-the shape of an apple, with a tiny lightning bolt etched into the center.

I stopped breathing.

Applejack rubbed the back of her neck.

"Figured it was about time ya got yer own," she muttered.

My hands shook.

Because I knew what this was.

Applejack had one.

Apple Bloom had one.

Even Big Mac had one.

A small wooden charm, made by Granny Smith, passed down to everyone in the family.

And now?

Now I had one, too.

I swallowed, my throat tight.

"I-" I started, but my voice broke.

I clenched my jaw.

I hadn't cried in front of people in years.

But right now?

I wasn't sure if I could stop myself.

Applejack stepped forward, placing a hand on my shoulder.

Her green eyes were steady, certain.

"This is home, Dash," she said softly. "And you're family now."

I exhaled shakily.

Because it wasn't a question.

It wasn't a what if.

It wasn't something I had to earn.

It was just true.

I curled my fingers around the pendant.

Held it tight.

And-for the first time ever-

I let myself believe it.

I stood in the barn, my fingers tracing the edges of the pendant.

I still couldn't believe it.

That they had done this.

That I was really part of this family.

I heard footsteps behind me.

Applejack.

She leaned against the barn door, arms crossed, smirking slightly.

"Ya alright?"

I swallowed.

Then-softly, honestly-

"I've never had anything like this before."

Applejack nodded, like she already knew.

Like she had been waiting for me to say it.

She stepped closer, resting a hand on my shoulder.

"Ya got it now, sugarcube," she murmured.

I clenched my jaw.

My chest felt too full, too big, too real.

I looked at her-really looked at her.

At the girl who had been there from the start.

The one who had pulled me out of my darkest moments.

The one who had given me a home.

And suddenly-

It hit me all at once.

It wasn't just about Sweet Apple Acres.

It wasn't just about having a family.

It was her.

She was my home.

She had been from the start.

I exhaled sharply, looking away.

Applejack smirked.

"Don't gotta say it, sugarcube," she said.

I blinked. "Say what?"

She chuckled, squeezing my shoulder.

"That you ain't goin' anywhere."

I scoffed. "Tch. You wish."

Applejack laughed.

And me?

I just smiled.

Because she was right.

I wasn't going anywhere.

Not now.

Not ever.

Later: Dinner

I sat at the dining table, staring at my plate.

Not because I wasn't hungry.

Not because the food didn't look good.

But because this felt different.

There was a spot for me now.

A real spot.

I wasn't a guest.

I wasn't just crashing here until I figured things out.

I was home.

Apple Bloom nudged me under the table. "Ya gonna eat, or just stare at it?"

I blinked. "Huh? Oh. Yeah."

Granny Smith chuckled. "She's still gettin' used to it."

Applejack smirked. "Ain't gotta think so hard about it, sugarcube. Just eat."

I hesitated.

Because deep down, some part of me still thought this was temporary.

That I was going to wake up, and it would all be gone.

That I would lose this like I lost everything else.

That one wrong move, one bad day, and-

"Dash?"

I looked up.

Applejack was watching me.

Her green eyes steady, grounding.

Like she could see the storm in my head.

Like she knew exactly what I was thinking.

And just like that, I could breathe again.

I picked up my fork and took a bite.

It was warm. Comforting.

Real.

And-for the first time at a dinner table-

I didn't feel like I was faking it.

After dinner, I went out to the porch.

The air was cool. The stars were bright. It was peaceful.

But inside my head?

Not so much.

Because no matter how good today had been... a voice in the back of my mind kept whispering.

What if it doesn't last?
What if they change their minds?
What if you mess it all up?

I clenched my jaw, rubbing the pendant between my fingers.

I wanted to believe this was forever.

I really, really did.

But when you've spent your whole life waiting for people to leave... it's hard to believe they won't.

Footsteps behind me.

I didn't even have to look.

Applejack.

She leaned against the railing beside me, arms crossed. "Yer quiet."

I scoffed. "Yeah, yeah. Mark the calendar."

She smirked, but didn't say anything.

Just waited.

Because she knew.

She always knew.

After a moment, I exhaled.

"I... don't know how to do this."

Applejack frowned. "Do what?"

I hesitated.

"Believe it's real."

She was quiet for a moment.

Then, she nudged me

"Ya know what Granny always says?"

I raised an eyebrow. "A lot of things?"

Applejack chuckled. "Yeah. But this one's important."

She looked at me-really looked at me.

"Love ain't somethin' ya gotta earn, Dash. It's just given."

I swallowed.

Because that?

That was new.

Applejack placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Yer not gonna lose this, sugarcube," she said softly. "Yer not gonna lose us."

I clenched my jaw, exhaling shakily.

Because maybe-just maybe-

I was starting to believe her.

It happened late at night.

I was lying in bed.

The house was quiet. Too quiet.

I stared at the ceiling, heart pounding.

Because something felt wrong.

And then, I realized-

I wasn't afraid.

For the first time in years, I wasn't bracing myself for yelling, for slamming doors, for footsteps outside my room that meant something bad was coming.

I was safe.

And that's when it hit me.

All at once.

I've never been safe before.

I sucked in a breath-sharp, shaky.

Because I didn't know how to handle that.

And suddenly, it was too much.

My chest felt tight. My hands shook. My throat closed up.

I curled in on myself, gripping the blankets.

I tried to hold it back. I really did.

But then-

A sob broke out of me.

And then another.

And before I knew it-I was crying.

Like, really crying. Harder than I ever had in my life.

Because this wasn't fair.

I shouldn't have had to fight this hard to feel safe.

I shouldn't have spent my whole life waiting for pain.

I shouldn't have had to earn love.

I pressed my face into the pillow, shoulders shaking. I didn't want anyone to hear.

But-

Applejack heard.

My door creaked open.

Soft footsteps.

Then, a quiet voice-

"Dash?"

I squeezed my eyes shut.

I didn't want her to see me like this.

I didn't want her to see me weak.

But then-warm arms wrapped around me.

And that? That broke me even more.

I turned into her, gripping her shirt like a lifeline.

And she just held me.

She didn't say anything. Didn't try to stop me.

She just let me cry.

Because for the first time in my life-

I wasn't crying alone.

The next morning:

I woke up slow.

Like... really slow.

I hadn't jolted awake in panic.

There was no fear.

Just... warmth.

The kind that lingers.

I blinked blearily, realizing-I wasn't alone.

Applejack was still sitting beside me, leaned against the headboard, arms crossed. She must've fallen asleep watching over me.

I swallowed hard.

Because no one had ever done that for me before.

She stirred, stretching with a quiet groan. When her eyes landed on me, she smiled-sleepy, soft.

"Mornin', sugarcube."

I opened my mouth, then shut it. What do you even say to someone who stayed up all night for you?

Applejack just smirked. "What, cat got yer tongue?"

I huffed. "Pfft. As if."

But the usual bite in my voice? It wasn't there.

Because I was still processing.

Still trying to figure out why her being here made my chest feel weird.

She nudged my arm. "Feelin' better?"

I hesitated.

Then-softly-"Yeah."

Applejack's smirk softened. Like she understood.

And maybe-just maybe-

I was starting to understand, too.

Later that day:

Something was different.

Not bad-different.

Just... different.

Applejack stood closer than usual.

Not in a weird way. Not in an obvious way.

But I noticed.

And I noticed other things, too.

Like how she watched me carefully, like she was making sure I was okay.

Like how she touched my shoulder more than usual, grounding me without even thinking about it.

Like how, whenever she caught me spacing out, she'd just bump my arm and grin.

"Yer doin' that thinkin' thing again."

"Pfft. Shut up."

She didn't shut up. She just laughed.

And I liked it.

Too much.

That night, we sat on the porch, watching the stars.

Neither of us spoke. We didn't need to.

The silence wasn't empty. It was full.

I glanced at her.

The way the moonlight hit her freckles. The way her eyes reflected the stars.

And then-without thinking-I whispered it.

"Thank you."

Applejack looked at me, surprised.

"For what?"

I hesitated.

Then-softly, honestly-

"For not leaving."

She exhaled, shaking her head with a smile.

"Sugarcube... that was never an option."

And just like that-

Something changed.

In the air. In my chest. In everything.

I didn't know what it was.

But I knew one thing for sure-

I was falling.

And I had no idea how to stop.

The weird thing about feeling safe when you've never had it before?

It makes everything else feel even worse.

Because now, I could see it.

How different this life was from my old one.

How Applejack's house didn't have yelling. Didn't have broken things. Didn't have bruises waiting at the end of the night.

And that? That made it hit harder.

I sat at the kitchen table, staring at my plate.

I wasn't hungry.

Applejack noticed.

She sat across from me, chewing on a slice of toast. "Yer real quiet this mornin'."

I forced a smirk. "You miss my voice or somethin'?"

She huffed. "Don't flatter yerself."

But her smile was soft. And her eyes? Worried.

I picked at the edge of my plate. "Just thinking."

Applejack didn't push. She just took another bite of toast and leaned back in her chair, watching me like she was trying to figure me out.

She wouldn't. I barely understood myself.

But that didn't stop her from trying.

And I think that's what scared me the most.

At school:

The moment we stepped onto school grounds, the shift hit.

Here? I wasn't the girl who was learning how to breathe again.

I was the girl people whispered about. The one they shoved in the halls. The one with bruises she never explained.

And today? It was worse.

Because I wasn't hiding it well.

And they could tell.

Spitfire was waiting.

I didn't see her at first-not until Applejack tensed beside me.

Then I heard it.

The sharp, mocking voice.

"Well, well. Look who finally showed up."

I stopped walking. Braced myself.

Applejack took a step forward, but I grabbed her wrist, shaking my head.

She gave me a look-"Are ya sure?"

No. I wasn't.

But I couldn't let her fight my battles.

I turned, facing Spitfire and her crew.

They were all smirking. All watching me like I was something less.

Spitfire tilted her head. "Took a couple days off? What happened, Crash? Mommy and Daddy finally teach you a lesson?"

The words punched me.

I swallowed hard. Didn't react.

That only made her grin wider.

"Guess it wasn't enough, huh?" She took a step closer. "If you need another lesson, I'd be happy to help."

Something inside me snapped.

I clenched my fists. My jaw. Everything in me screamed to fight.

But then-

A hand.

Applejack's hand.

On my shoulder. Grounding me.

I exhaled, sharp and shaky.

And somehow-somehow-

I turned away.

And walked.

Because I wasn't alone anymore.

At lunch:

I barely touched my food.

Not that I usually ate much anyway.

I was too busy feeling every set of eyes on me.

Every whisper. Every laugh. Every reminder that I didn't belong.

Applejack sat across from me, arms crossed. She wasn't eating either.

Because she could feel it too.

The shift.

The way people weren't just whispering anymore. They were waiting.

For the next shove. The next rumor. The next wound they could leave.

Sunset was the first to break the silence.

"So." She twirled a fry between her fingers. "Are we gonna talk about the fact that people suddenly have it out for Rainbow even worse than usual?"

Applejack scoffed. "Ain't nothin' sudden about it."

I huffed. "Don't get your hair in a twist. It's fine."

Rarity frowned. "Darling, forgive me, but you don't look particularly 'fine.'"

I shrugged, poking at my food. "I've looked worse."

Fluttershy made a small noise, barely audible. "That's... not exactly reassuring."

I didn't answer. Because I didn't know how.

The truth was?

I didn't know why today felt worse.

Maybe it was the fact that Applejack was watching everything. That I wasn't just suffering in silence anymore-someone else was suffering with me.

And that?

That was harder than all the punches combined.

The second the lunch bell rang, I knew something was coming.

I could feel it.

The way Spitfire and her crew were waiting. The way they were watching.

Applejack saw it too.

I could tell because she didn't just walk beside me-she positioned herself between me and them.

Like a damn shield.

I sighed. "AJ, seriously-"

"Don't." Her voice was low. Firm. "Jus' let me be here, alright?"

And for once?

I let her.

But Spitfire wasn't gonna let it slide.

We made it halfway down the hall before she called out-

"Aw, how cute. Crash got herself a babysitter."

Applejack stopped walking.

I grabbed her wrist. Begged her with my eyes- don't make this worse.

But then-before I could react-

Something slammed into my back.

Hard.

I stumbled, catching myself against the lockers.

Laughter.

More whispers.

My whole body went cold. Familiar. Too familiar.

Another shove.

This time, I hit the floor.

Spitfire crouched beside me, grinning. "Still not gonna fight back?"

I didn't.

Because I knew what would happen if I did.

But then-

Before Spitfire could say another word-

Applejack grabbed her by the collar and yanked her up.

Hard.

And for the first time?

Spitfire looked nervous.

Applejack's voice was low. Dangerous.

"Do that again, an' I swear, I won't hold back."

The entire hallway went silent.

Because Applejack? She meant it.

And suddenly-for the first time ever-

Spitfire backed off.

She laughed, rolling her eyes. "Whatever. You two are pathetic."

Then she turned and walked away, her crew following close behind.

I stayed on the floor. Frozen.

Because no one had ever stood up for me like that before.

Applejack crouched down, offering me a hand.

I stared at it.

Then-slowly-I took it.

She pulled me up easily, steadying me. Holding me like she meant it.

"You okay, sugarcube?"

I swallowed hard.

And for the first time in a long time-

I whispered, "Yeah."

And maybe-just maybe-

For the first time ever, I actually meant it.

After school:

I knew Applejack was still watching me.

She had been ever since lunch.

I could feel it.

The way her eyes lingered on my arms whenever I pushed up my sleeves. The way she stayed close whenever we walked.

Like she was waiting for something.

Or maybe... waiting for me to break.

I wasn't gonna break.

At least, that's what I told myself.

"Are ya sure ya don't wanna come over?" she asked for the third time that day. "Granny made pie. She won't let me hear the end of it if ya don't at least try a slice."

I forced a smirk. "I'll take a rain check."

Applejack frowned. "You always take a rain check."

I shrugged. "Guess I like the rain."

Lies.

I didn't like the rain. I liked having an excuse not to go home.

But I had to.

Because if I didn't... it'd be worse later.

Applejack didn't push.

She just sighed, adjusting her backpack. "Alright. But if ya change your mind-"

"I won't."

She hesitated. Then, finally, "Be safe, sugarcube."

I nodded. Turned away before she could see how much that meant to me.

And then-I walked home.

The second I stepped inside, I knew it was a bad night.

I could tell by the way the air felt thick.

By the way the shadows stretched longer than they should.

By the way my mother was already waiting.

"You're late."

Her voice was slow. Too calm.

I swallowed hard. "I stayed after school."

She took a step forward. I took a step back.

"Liar."

And then-

Before I could even blink-

Her hand struck across my face.

Hard.

I staggered. My cheek burned.

But I didn't react.

I didn't even flinch.

Because this was normal.

This was routine.

And routines? They didn't scare me anymore.

She grabbed my wrist. Squeezed hard.

"Who's the girl?"

I stiffened. "What?"

She yanked me closer. Her breath reeked of alcohol.

"The blonde," she hissed. "The one you're always with. The one who got in Spitfire's face today."

Shit.

Of course, she knew. She always knew.

"No one," I said quickly. "Just-just a friend."

A cruel smile twisted her face.

"A friend?" she mocked. "Or a mistake?"

Her grip tightened.

I didn't answer.

Didn't fight. Didn't cry.

Because this was what she wanted.

A reaction.

Something to prove she still had power over me.

But I wouldn't give her that.

Not tonight.

She shoved me back. I hit the wall.

Then she turned away, muttering, "You're a disappointment."

I let out a shaky breath.

And finally-finally-I let myself collapse.

Midnight:

I didn't sleep.

I never did.

Not on nights like this.

I lay there, staring at the ceiling, counting the hours.

One.
Two.
Three.

At four, I finally moved.

Pulled my phone from under my pillow.

Opened the group chat.

Twilight: Anyone awake?
Pinkie: MEEE!!! 🤩 (Also why are u awake?? That's like... illegal! 😂)
Fluttershy: Oh, um, I'm awake too...
Sunset: Y'all are crazy. It's 4AM.
Rarity: Darling, sleep is important! (Also, yes, I'm awake too.)
Applejack: ...Dash?

I froze.

She knew.

Somehow, she always knew.

I hesitated. Then-

Rainbow: Yeah?

A pause.

Then-

Applejack: You okay?

And just like that-

Something in my chest twisted.

Tightened.

Because I wasn't okay.

I hadn't been okay for a long time.

But maybe...

Maybe I didn't have to be alone anymore.

I took a deep breath.

And finally-finally-

I typed two words.

Rainbow: No.